Describes a public school model that gives historically underserved urban and rural middle schoolers an improved chance at college and life. KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) uses a five-pillar plan that focuses on: more time in school; choice and commitment by teachers, parents, and students; power to lead for the school leader; high expectations…

Reviews networking projects that have been developed by educational institutions and computer companies. Highlights include minicomputers that network personal computer workstations; voice mail messages; data processing systems; linking university databases; the National Science Foundation Network (NSFNET); a computer link between a high school…

Discusses the formulation and findings of a nationwide survey which focused on materials selections concerns of school media centers: (1) whether a materials selection policy exists that is approved by the school board; (2) number of library media specialists; (3) whether library media specialists feel external pressure regarding materials…

Reports results of surveys of faculty and students in Australian universities that were conducted to examine the use of computerized business simulations. Factors influencing the adoption of simulations are discussed, the effectiveness of various teaching methods are examined, evaluation of courses and simulations are described, and further…

Discusses instructional systems and information retrieval systems and highlights the growing role of retrieval systems in learning. Topics discussed include cognitive psychology; degree of learner control; interaction with the systems; technological trends, including storage capacity, integrated media, and interlinked systems; hypermedia; and…

This review of research on microcomputers and their impact on education highlights literature reviews and findings from 1975 to the present; meta-analysis issues and procedures; findings of research on instructional effectiveness; word processing; Logo; student attitudes and characteristics; and implications of these findings for computer use and…

Describes study of Israeli secondary school students that was conducted to determine the extent to which gender and prior computer exposure affect students' attitudes toward computers prior to computer instruction in school. An attitude questionnaire designed to measure affective and cognitive attitudes toward computers is described, and results…

Discussion of training needs of business and industry highlights a study that was conducted to compare the effects of a detailed instruction guide versus an outline format on instructor preparation, presentation, and participant reactions. Instructional effectiveness and instructional design are discussed, cost factors are examined, and further…

Proposes a four-factor model of attitudes toward computers and describes a factor analysis conducted with preservice teachers to test its validity and reliability. Sex differences, degree of comfort or anxiety with computers, liking for computers, and value placed on computers are examined, and implications for further research are suggested.…

Describes study designed to determine the effectiveness of field dependence/independence as a student selection criterion for one-to-one formative evaluation of instructional materials. Hypotheses tested are discussed, the computer-assisted instructional material evaluated and revised is described, and suggestions for further research are given.…

Concept mapping is a structured conceptualization that can be used by groups to develop a conceptual framework that guides evaluation or planning. Twelve papers discuss concept mapping in evaluation/planning in terms of theory development; measurement, construct validity, and pattern matching; outcome assessment and internal validity;…

Describes methods used to increase the participation of staff and students in their own searching at the European Institute for Business Administration. Areas discussed include the use of CD-ROM and floppy disks as alternatives to online searching, and the development of a prototype expert system to help users move between online and offline…

Describes study that was designed to compare student achievement scores from three different testing methods: paper-administered testing, computer-administered testing, and computerized adaptive testing. The California Assessment Program (CAP) item banks for grades three and six which this study incorporated are described, and results are…

Results of a study of 30 Indonesian fifth-grade teachers support the value of intensive, research-based teacher training programs in changing teacher behavior and increasing teacher effectiveness. The effect of such programs appears limited to those behaviors and outcomes which reflect the primary focus or emphasis of the program. (IAH)

Describes the role, users, collections and services of the National Agricultural Library. Some of the services discussed include a machine readable bibliographic database, an international interlibrary loan system, programs to develop library networks and cooperative cataloging, and the development and use of information technologies such as laser…